Wedding Photography: Must Have Shot List

Here is a handy list of shots you can print off and give to your photographer before the wedding. For most experience wedding photographers, this list won't be necessary, but it's a good idea to pick out any shots that are especially important to you and making sure your photographer knows them before the day.

Wedding Photography Shots before the Ceremony

Wedding dress lying over a chair/hung in a window
Lacing up or buttoning the wedding dress
Mother of the bride fastening the bride's necklace
The bride's veil
The flowers
The rings
Bride looking into a mirror
Bride looking out of a window
Bride and bridesmaids putting on make-up/having their hair done
Father of the bride first look
Bride pinning corsage/button hole on mother/father
Mother/father handing bride bouquet
Bride hugging parents
Bride touching up makeup
Bride and parents leaving for ceremony
Groom and Best Man tying tie
Groom looking into mirror
Groom looking out window
Groom pinning corsage/button hole on mother/father
Groom hugging parents
Groom leaving for ceremony

Wedding Photography Shots at the Ceremony

Outside of ceremony venue
Guests walking into ceremony venue
Groom/Ushers outside ceremony
Grandparents being seated
Parents being seated
Order of service sheet
Bride and father entering ceremony site
Bridesmaids walking down the aisle
Groom waiting for bride inside
Ceremony musicians
The registrar/vicar/celebrant
Altar or canopy during ceremony
Close up of bride, just before the entrance
Bride and father walking down aisle
Groom seeing bride for first time
The back of bride and father walking down the aisle with the groom waiting in the distance
Bride's father and bride hugging at end of aisle
Shot of the guests from the bride and groom's point of view
Close up of bride and groom saying the vows
Wide shot of bride and groom saying the vows
Exchanging the rings
Close up of hands
The kiss
Signing the marriage certificate
Bride & groom walking up the aisle
Bride & groom outside
Guests throwing confetti
Bride & groom hugging guests, laughing, getting congratulations
Bride & groom getting in car
Bride & groom in back seat

Posed Wedding Photography before the Reception (These can also be taken before the ceremony)

Bride alone (full length)
Bride with bridesmaids
Bride with parents
Bride & Groom together
Bride & Groom with parents
Bride & Groom with families
Bride & Groom with wedding party
Groom with parents
Groom with best man
Groom with groomsmen

During the Reception 

Outside of reception site
Welcome drinks
The receiving line
Table centrepieces
Table setting
The Top Table
Musicians or DJ
Guest book
Favours
Close-up of bride and groom's place card
Wedding cake
Gift table/ card box
Decorations (specify which _________________________)
Some food
Speeches (specify who is giving them: ____________________)
Bride & Groom cutting the cake
Bride & Groom's first dance
Bride & Father dancing
Groom & Mother dancing
Guests dancing
Bride & Groom drinking champagne
Bride throwing bouquet
The getaway car
Bride & Groom leaving party
Bride & Groom driving away

Guests the photographer shouldn't miss: (provide your photographer with a seating chart so that he can easily identify them)

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